" "I saw the Pavlograd hussars attack there, your excellency," chimed in Zherkov, looking uneasily around.

He had not seen the hussars all that day, but had heard about them from an infantry officer.

" They broke up two squares, your excellency.

" Several of those present smiled at Zherkov's words, expecting one of his usual jokes, but noticing that what he was saying redounded to the glory of our arms and of the day's work, they assumed a serious expression, though many of them knew that what he was saying was a lie devoid of any foundation.

Prince Bagration turned to the old colonel: "Gentlemen, I thank you all; all arms have behaved heroically: infantry, cavalry, and artillery.